Program Overview

Introduction to the Houston Early Research Experience

The Houston Early Research Experience (HERE) is a two-week workshop intended to orient first- and second-year undergraduates to the fundamentals of conducting research. Under the guidance of UH faculty mentors, students will discuss academic topics, broaden their professional network, and learn how to ask the right research questions. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

Program Details

• The HERE program will take place in-person from May 12-23, 2025.
• Housing and transportation will not be provided.
• Students will receive a $1,000 scholarship for their involvement.
• Participants will also receive two points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation.
• An invitation to apply for the Houston Scholars program in the fall semester will be extended to HERE students.

2025 Theme

The 2025 HERE program topic is "Clutch City Sports". Despite losing the first two games of the 1994 NBA playoffs, the Houston Rockets bounced back to advance to the NBA finals and win their first championship. The win rebranded Houston from "Choke City" to "Clutch City", alluding to the team's perseverance under pressure. Clutch City is known for more than just basketball though. Houston boasts the world's largest indoor rodeo, a two-time World Series champion MLB team, the most decorated gymnast in history, and a host stadium for seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the 2025 HERE program, applicants should:

• Currently be in their first or second year of an undergraduate program at the UH Main Campus, including programs housed at UH Sugar Land.
• Not plan on graduating before Spring 2027.
• Have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
• All majors are eligible to apply, and no prior research experience is required.
• Students may apply to both HERE and SURF in the same year.

Application Process

Students must complete an online application which includes providing:

• Answers to five free-response questions.
• A current resume, including any awards, honors, activities, research, jobs, service, leadership, etc.
• An unofficial transcript, which can be downloaded from myUH Self Service.

Decision Timeline

Applications will not be reviewed until after the application deadline has passed. Decisions will be sent via email in early April.

Program Format

• In the mornings, students will meet as a cohort to hear a guest speaker lecture or discussion.
• Speakers will present on a variety of different topics related to the program theme.
• In the afternoons, students will meet in small seminar groups with their faculty mentor.
• Within the seminar group, students will form smaller research teams.
• Each team, guided by their faculty mentor, will craft a research proposal.

Expectations

HERE participants are expected to:

• Attend the HERE orientation session.
• Attend faculty and community leader-led lectures and discussions.
• Participate in mentor-led seminar sessions.
• Work in a small team of 2-3 students to develop a research question and proposal with faculty-mentor guidance.
• Deliver a research proposal presentation.
• Complete HERE program surveys and reflection assignments.

Scholarship Disbursement

HERE participants will receive a $1,000 scholarship after their successful completion of the program. Scholarships will be disbursed to the student's UH account via UH's Scholarships and Financial Aid office, usually in early or mid-June.

HCCE Points

HERE recipients will receive 2 points towards the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement (HCCE) transcript designation. The HCCE transcript designation is awarded to students upon graduation who pursue a broad range of experiential learning opportunities from freshman to senior year.